The origins of the Japanese tea ceremony can be traced back to the 9th century, when Buddhist monks introduced tea to Japan from China. Over the centuries this practice evolved into a highly refined art form, with the renowned tea master Sen no Rikyu playing a pivotal role in shaping it into its modern form in the 16th century. His concept of wabi-sabi, which celebrates the beauty of imperfection and simplicity, remains the guiding principle of tea ceremonies to this day.

Participating in a traditional tea ceremony is an immersive experience that will engage your senses. As you step into the serene tearoom, or chashitsu, you'll experience a tranquil atmosphere, with tatami mats, a sunken hearth and perhaps a carefully curated alcove displaying seasonal decorations.

The ceremony itself is a choreographed ritual, where every movement and gesture by the host is performed with precision and grace. From the cleansing of utensils to the delicate preparation of matcha (finely powdered green tea), each step is a testament to the ceremony’s association with mindfulness and attention to detail.

Before the tea is served, you'll be offered a traditional Japanese sweet called wagashi, a delightful prelude to the main event. As you receive the tea bowl, you'll be guided through a series of movements, allowing you to fully appreciate the aroma, flavour and warmth of the meticulously prepared matcha.

The Japanese tea ceremony is a celebration of art and nature, with each element carefully curated to create a harmonious experience. Tea houses are often surrounded by gardens, creating a serene and peaceful environment that invites you to appreciate the beauty of nature and the changing seasons, while the utensils used are often handcrafted and reflect the skill of local Japanese artisans.

Deeply tied to tea ceremony traditions, Kyoto offers several renowned places to witness this ritual. Consider visiting the Camellia Tea Room, where you can experience a traditional tea ceremony in a historic machiya townhouse, or the Maikoya Tea Room located in the famous Gion district.

In Nara, another city steeped in history and tradition, you can participate in a tea ceremony surrounded by beautiful gardens and historic buildings at Sarusawa and Jiko-in Temple Cha-no-yu.

Tokyo also offers an array of authentic tea ceremony experiences: the Jugetsudo Tea Room provides ceremonies with English explanations, while the Chazen Tea Room and the Urasenke Youwakai Tea Room offer traditional experiences led by tea masters.

In Japan, you can even experience beautiful tea ceremonies before you leave your hotel.

In Tokyo, The Aman Tokyo in the Otemachi Tower features serene interiors and traditional Japanese design, making it a fitting setting to partake in a private tea ceremony arranged by the hotel, with stunning views of the Imperial Palace Gardens and Tokyo skyline.

Two and a half hours north of Tokyo is Nikko in the Tochigi Prefecture, home to The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko. The hotel offers numerous Japanese tea experiences that highlight the local culture and traditions of the region. As a guest you can participate in seasonal tea-brewing classes to learn about the art of preparing Japanese teas like gyokuro (high-quality green tea). We also recommend the Ryokucha Serenity Ritual at the hotel's spa, which incorporates matcha green tea into treatments for antioxidant benefits.